Second-hand smoke a possible asthma risk for future generations, study finds

 Children are more likely to develop asthma if their father was exposed to second-hand smoke when he was a child, according to a study published today in the European Respiratory Journal.

Led by University of Melbourne researchers, Mr Jiacheng Liu and Dr Dinh Bui, the study also shows that children's risk of asthma is even higher if their father was exposed to second-hand smoke and went on to become a smoker.

The researchers say their findings highlight how smoking can damage health not only for smokers and their children, but also their grandchildren.

The study was based on data from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS), led by University of Melbourne Professor Shyamali Dharmage.

TAHS began in 1968 and is one of the world's largest and longest ongoing respiratory studies.

For this study, researchers looked at 1689 children who grew up in Tasmania, their fathers and their paternal grandparents.

They compared data on whether the children had developed asthma by the age of seven years with data on whether the fathers grew up with parents who smoked when they were under the age of 15. They also included data on whether the fathers were current or former smokers.

Mr Liu said: "We found that the risk of non-allergic asthma in children increases by 59 per cent if their fathers were exposed to second-hand smoke in childhood, compared to children whose fathers were not exposed.

"The risk was even higher, at 72 per cent, if the fathers were exposed to second-hand smoke and went on to smoke themselves."

Dr Bui said the findings show how the damage caused by smoking can have an impact not only on smokers, but also their children and grandchildren.

"For men who were exposed to second-hand smoke as children, our study suggests that they can still lower the risk they pass on to their own children, if they avoid smoking," Dr Bui said.

Although researchers can't be certain of how this damage is passed on through generations, Professor Dharmage said they think it may be to do with epigenetic changes.

Source: Science Daily

Tiny new climbing robot was inspired by geckos and inchworms

 A tiny robot that could one day help doctors perform surgery was inspired by the incredible gripping ability of geckos and the efficient locomotion of inchworms.

The new robot, developed by engineers at the University of Waterloo, utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light and magnetic force to move on any surface, even up walls and across ceilings.

It is the first soft robot of its kind that doesn't require connection to an external power supply, enabling remote operation and versatility for potential applications such as assisting surgeons and searching otherwise inaccessible places.

"This work is the first time a holistic soft robot has climbed on inverted surfaces, advancing state-of-the-art soft robotics innovation," said Dr. Boxin Zhao, a professor of chemical engineering. "We are optimistic about its potential, with much more development, in several different fields."

Constructed from a smart material, the robot -- dubbed the GeiwBot by researchers because of the creatures that inspired it -- can be altered at the molecular level to mimic how geckos stick and unstick powerful grippers on their feet.

That enables the robot -- about four centimetres long, three millimetres wide and one millimetre thick -- to climb on a vertical wall and across the ceiling without being tethered to a power source.

Zhao and his research team constructed the robot using liquid crystal elastomers and synthetic adhesive pads. A light-responsive polymer strip simulates the arching and stretching motion of an inchworm, while gecko-inspired magnet pads at either end do the gripping.

"Even though there are still limitations to overcome, this development represents a significant milestone for utilizing biomimicry and smart materials for soft robots," said Zhao, the University of Waterloo Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology. "Nature is a great source of inspiration and nanotechnology is an exciting way to apply its lessons."

An untethered soft robot paves the way for potential surgical applications via remote operation inside the human body and for sensing or searching in dangerous or hard-to-reach places during rescue operations.

Source:Science Daily

Deep earthquakes could reveal secrets of the Earth's mantle

 A new study from a University of Chicago scientist suggests there may be a layer of surprisingly fluid rock ringing the Earth, at the very bottom of the upper mantle.

The finding was made by measuring the lingering movement registered by GPS sensors on islands in the wake of a deep earthquake in the Pacific Ocean near Fiji. Published Feb. 22 in Nature, the study demonstrates a new method to measure the fluidity of the Earth's mantle.

"Even though the mantle makes up the largest part of Earth, there's still a lot we don't know about it," said Sunyoung Park, a geophysicist with the University of Chicago and the lead author on the study. "We think there's a lot more we can learn by using these deep earthquakes as a way to probe these questions."

Mantle mysteries

We still know surprisingly little about the Earth beneath our feet. The furthest anyone has managed to dig down is about seven and a half miles before the increasing heat literally melts the drill. Thus scientists have had to use clues like how seismic waves move to infer the different layers that make up the planet, including the crust, mantle, and core.

One thing that has stymied scientists is a precise measurement of how viscous the mantle layer is. The mantle is the layer below the crust. It's made of rock, but at the intense temperature and pressures at that depth, the rock actually becomes viscous -- flowing very slowly like honey or tar.

"We want to know exactly how fast the mantle flows, because that influences the evolution of the entire Earth -- it affects how much heat the planet retains for how long, and how the Earth's materials are cycled over time," explained Park. "But our current understanding is very limited and includes a lot of assumptions."

Park thought there might be a unique way to get a measurement of the mantle's properties by studying the aftermath of very deep earthquakes.

Most of the earthquakes we hear about on the news are relatively shallow, originating in the top crust of the Earth. But occasionally, there are earthquakes that originate deep within the Earth -- down to 450 miles below the surface. These earthquakes are not as well-studied as shallower ones, because they're not as destructive to human settlements. But because they reach down into the mantle, Park thought they might offer a way to understand the behavior of the mantle.

Park and her colleagues looked at one particular such earthquake, which occurred off the coast of Fiji in 2018. The quake was magnitude 8.2, but it was so deep -- 350 miles down -- that it did not cause any major damage or deaths.

However, when the scientists carefully analyzed the data from GPS sensors on several nearby islands, they found the Earth kept moving -- after the earthquake was over.

The data revealed that in the months following the quake, the Earth was still moving, settling in the wake of the disturbance. Even years later, Tonga is still moving slowly down at a rate of about 1 centimeter per year.

"You can think of it like a jar of honey that slowly comes back to level after you dip a spoon in it -- except this takes years instead of minutes," said Park.

This is the first solid observation of the deformation following deep quakes; the phenomenon had been observed before for shallow earthquakes, but experts thought the effect would be too small to be observable for deep earthquakes.

Park and her colleagues used this observation to infer the viscosity of the mantle.

Source: ScienceDaily

What to know about a headache on the left side

There are various causes of a headache on the left side. Understanding the possible causes and their treatments may help a person manage the pain and know when to seek professional care.

Around 50% of adults worldwide have a headache disorder. Some headaches are minor and resolve with home treatment, but some are more severe and need medical care.

If a headache occurs with blurred vision, nausea, or any other symptom that causes concern, seek medical attention. If a person has a sudden, severe headache and weakness on one side of the body or confusion, they need emergency care.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatments for headaches on the left side. It also provides more information about when to see a doctor.

Types overview

Several kinds of headaches can cause pain on the left side, including migraine and cluster headaches. We describe these in detail below.

Generally, doctors classify headaches as “primary” or “secondary.” For a person with a primary headache, the pain is the main symptom. A secondary headache results from another health issue, such as:

• a brain tumor
• a stroke
• an infection

The headaches that result can occur in any location, including the left side.

Migraine headaches

Migraine can cause a moderate to severe headache on the left side. The condition affects 12%Trusted Source of people in the United States, including 17% of women and 6% of men.

A migraine headache may throb and be worse on one side. The pain may begin around the eye or temple, then spread across the head.

Some other symptoms of migraine include:

• changes to vision
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch, or smell
• numbness or a tingling sensation in the face or extremities

One rare type of migraine, called a hemiplegic migraine, can also cause weakness in the limbs and face on one side of the body.

A migraine episode typically lasts 4–72 hours Trusted Source. A person may need to lie down in a darkened room and rest until the symptoms pass.

Experts do not understand the exact causes, but genetic factors and environmental triggers appear to play a role.

Common triggers include:

• stress, a factor in 80%Trusted Source of cases
• hormonal changes, present in 65% of cases
• certain foods, such as alcohol, cheese, and chocolate
• sleeping too much or too little
• bright lights or lights that flicker
• odors, such as perfumes

Source:Medical News Today

What is a cervicogenic headache?

 A cervicogenic headache is a pain that develops in the neck and a person feels up into their head. It is a type of headache that results from another condition, such as a neck trauma or an infection.

People may confuse cervicogenic headaches with migraine and tension headaches, both of which can cause neck pain.

Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches. Secondary headaches result from an underlying condition, such as neck injuries, infections, or severe high blood pressure. This sets them apart from primary headaches, such as migraine and cluster headaches.

In this article, we discuss some symptoms, causes, and treatments for cervicogenic headaches.

TypicallyTrusted Source, people who have cervicogenic headaches experience a headache accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. Certain neck movements can provoke cervicogenic headaches.

In most cases, cervicogenic headaches develop on one side of the head, starting from the back of the head and neck and radiating toward the front.

Some other symptoms of a cervicogenic headache include:

• pain around the eyes
• pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm on one side
• head pain from certain neck movements or positions
• sensitivity to light and noise
• nausea
• blurred vision

What causes cervicogenic headache?

Cervicogenic headaches result from structural problems in the neck and are often due to problems with vertebrae at the top of the spine, called the cervical vertebrae. The C1-3 vertebraeTrusted Source are the most common site of problems resulting in these headaches.

Some people develop cervicogenic headaches due to straining their necks. People can also develop cervicogenic headaches after an injury to the neck. This is better known as whiplash.

Some medical conditions that can cause cervicogenic headaches include:

• tumors
• fractures
• infections
• arthritis of the upper spine
• whiplash or another injury to the neck

Source: Medical News Today

7 of the best erectile dysfunction pumps

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is difficulty having or maintaining an erection that is sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. Vacuum erectile devices, also called penis pumps, may treat the condition without the need for medication.

Quick links

• Best for different sized rings: Encore Standard Manual Vacuum Erection Device
• Best for different tube sizes: SOMAerectStf Erectile Dysfunction System
• Best for larger budgets: MVP 700 Penile Pump-Standard Pos-T-VAC kit
• Best for a quiet operation: Pos-T-Vac Erect Vac Max MVP
• Best for traveling: Encore Deluxe Vacuum Erection Device
• Best for a longer warranty: Unysen Health Vacuum Erection Device System
• Best for easy use: BOS-2000-2 Battery Vacuum ED Penis Pump System.

• How does a penis pump work for ED?

  People with ED may experienceTrusted Source:

  • occasional difficulty having an erection
  • difficulty maintaining an erection
  • an inability to have an erection

  ED is most common among olderTrusted Source males. These factors increase the riskTrusted Source of ED:

  • having certain health conditions, including mental health conditions and obesity
  • taking certain medicines
  • being overweight
  • having a history of smoking

  A penis pump can address the symptoms of ED. The device might contain:

  • a tube
  • a seal ring
  • a battery powered or mechanical pump

  The pump creates a vacuum inside the tube, which stimulates blood flow to the penis. Increased blood flow produces an erection. With some devices, a person pumps manually.

  How to use a penis pump

  To use a penis pump:

  1. Insert the penis into the tube.
  2. Turn on the device, if it is battery powered, or squeeze the hand pump to remove the air inside the tube.
  3. The blood vessels in the penis start to expand as the pump extracts air from the tube. It may take a few minutes to get an erection.
  4. Once the penis is erect, slide the constriction ring down to the base of the penis.
  5. Remove the tube.

  Mechanical and battery-powered pumps are easy to use, and both can result in an erection that can last for up to 30 minutes. It is crucial to remove the constriction ring before 30 minutes have passed to prevent injury to the penis.

  A penis pump cannot make the penis bigger.

  Do penis pumps really work?

  For people who use penis pumps and their partners, around 77% may be satisfied with the outcome. Penis pumps are safe for many people, including those with diabetes, a spinal cord injury, or recent surgery to remove the prostate.

  Older evidenceTrusted Source suggests that penis pumps can improve ED and preserve the size of the penis after a radical prostatectomy.

  These devices can have negative effects, but these are usually mild and disappear on their own. People may experience bruising, discomfort, and pain. If any of these occur, stop using the device immediately.

  To avoid bruising, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source recommends using the minimum amount of vacuum pressure.

  The device can also worsen symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, priapism, or urethral strictures.

  Overall, it is a good idea to ask a healthcare professional whether a penis pump is suitable before making a purchase.

• What to look for in a penis vacuum pump

  People may wish to consider these factors before buying a vacuum erection device:

  • Type: A pump may be manual or battery powered.
  • Safety: Consider asking a healthcare professional for help choosing the right device.
  • Warranty: It may be best to choose a product with a warranty and return guarantee, so the company will replace or return the device if it is damaged or stops working.
  • Features: These pumps sometimes come with lubricant, a carrying case, and size rings.
  • Manual: Before making a purchase, a person may be able to check that the instructions are clear. Some companies also have how-to videos on their websites.

  How we choose products

  At Medical News Today, we choose products that fit these criteria, when possible:

  • Price: The products are available for a range of budgets.
  • Ease of use: They come with clear instructions.
  • Warranty: They have a warranty period.

  Manual penis pumps

  This section describes some manual penis pumps on the market today.

  Several are available over the counter at many pharmacies. Other penis pumps require a prescription, which a person can get from their primary care doctor or urologist.

  Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

  Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. .

  Best for different sized rings: Encore Standard Manual Vacuum Erection Device

  Encore’s device comes with:

  • a plastic tube
  • four tension bands
  • a hand pump
  • a cone-shaped ring applicator
  • a ring ejector
  • lubricant
  • a body shield

  The body shield prevents the skin and pubic hair from getting pulled into the vacuum tube.

  Although the tube should fit most penises, an “oversized” tube is available.

  The Encore Standard Manual Vacuum Erection Device costs $135.

  This manual device from Augusta Medical Systems comes with three tubes of different sizes, so a person can choose the best fit.

  Using an appropriately sized tube can help prevent the skin and pubic hair from getting sucked into device.

  In the package, a person receives:

  • numerous tension rings
  • a loading cone
  • a sizing guide
  • a training manual
  • a carrying case

  The website highlights that a person can operate the negative pressure function with just one finger.

  There is also a lifetime warranty on this product.

  The SOMAerectStf Erectile Dysfunction System costs $249.95.

Source - Medical News Today

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Buying Viagra online in 2023: Everything you need to know

Viagra is a prescription drug people can take to help with erectile dysfunction. Several online pharmacies sell Viagra, but a person needs a current prescription.

A quick look at where to buy Viagra online

• Best for free follow-up appointments: Roman
• Best for free shipping: Hims
• Best for discreet packaging: Lemonaid
• Best for discreet packaging: REX MD
• Best for chewable tablets: Bluechew

What is Viagra?

Viagra is the brand name version of sildenafilTrusted Source.

Doctors usually prescribe Viagra to help relieve erectile dysfunction (ED), which causes a person to have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.

Following sexual stimulation, taking Viagra helps increaseTrusted Source blood flow to the penis, which can help individuals maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. However, doctors do not recommend taking more than one dose of Viagra daily.

This drug can start working within 30 minutes, and its effects can last 4 hours. Although doctors usually prescribe 50 milligrams (mg) of Viagra, they may lower this to 25 mg or increase it to 100 mg.

How to buy Viagra online

People can purchase Viagra online from several online pharmacies and telehealth companies.

However, the drug is only available with a prescription. Some online pharmacies can fill an electronic prescription and notify the person when Viagra is available for collection at their local pharmacy. Other online pharmacies offer delivery to the person’s door.

If an individual does not have a current prescription, some online pharmacies and telehealth companies may offer an online consultation with a doctor via a phone or video call. This consultation may lead to the doctor prescribing Viagra, which the company can fill.

However, people should never purchase Viagra from companies that do not require a prescription. One older 2012 study found that 77% of Viagra individuals bought online from companies that did not require a prescription were counterfeit.

A newer 2020 study found that 60%Trusted Source of the sildenafil and tadalafil samples they looked at from online websites were false and inauthentic.

In addition to companies not requiring a prescription, some other warning signs that online Viagra may not be genuine include the following:

• The company ships the Viagra from a different address than where it claims to be based.
• The Viagra does not come with a product information leaflet.
• The Viagra does not come with any safety warnings.

Therefore, people should research companies that sell Viagra to ensure they are not buying counterfeit drugs before purchasing.

Top places to buy Viagra online

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for free follow-up appointments: Roman

Roman offers various treatment options for conditions such as ED, hair loss, and premature ejaculation.

The company uses United States-licensed healthcare professionals to run its pharmacy service.

To order from Roman, a person describes their symptoms to a licensed physician or nurse practitioner for evaluation. Within 24 hours, the healthcare professional contacts the individual to discuss treatment options. This service is free of charge, with free unlimited follow-up appointments.

Roman offers Viagra and generic sildenafil in 25-, 50-, or 100-mg doses. The healthcare professional who assesses an individual’s case can suggest which dose is most suitable for that person. The company then sends the medication using discreet packaging.

Generic sildenafil starts from $2 per dose, while Viagra starts from $34.

Best for free shipping: Hims

• Price: from $4–$139 per dose

Hims is an online pharmacy service that caters to male wellness.

This company sells Viagra on a prescription-only basis. Individuals must first have an online consultation with a local licensed physician to receive a prescription if they do not already have one.

Hims states that the online consultation does not take a long time. Before connecting with a healthcare professional, a person must first answer questions about their medical history and symptoms. For this consultation, an individual needs proof of identity and a credit card.

This consultation and any shipping are free. Hims sends all medications in discreet packaging.

Branded Viagra is $139 per dose, while generic Viagra starts at $4 per dose. The price may change depending on the strength.

The company also sells Viagra and generic sildenafil in various doses through its website.

Best for discreet packaging: Lemonaid

• Price: from $2 per dose

Lemonaid is an online pharmacy that provides medication for many conditions, including ED.

The company sells sildenafil on a prescription-only basis. These medications are available in 25-, 50-, and 100-mg doses. Prices start from $2 per dose.

To order with Lemonaid, the person fills in and submits a medical history questionnaire and provides information about their medical condition. A licensed doctor or nurse then reviews the information and contacts the individual to discuss their treatment, with the initial consultation costing $25. This price includes a doctor filling in a prescription.

The company uses discreet packaging

Comparison

The table below compares the cost of Viagra or its generic counterpart from each company in this article.

	Type	Price
Roman	• sildenafil • Viagra	• Generic: from $4 per dose • Branded: from $34
Hims	• sildenafil • Viagra	• Generic: from $4 per dose • Branded: $139 per dose
Lemonaid	sildenafil	• Generic: $2 per dose • Branded: not offered
REX MD	sildenafil	• Generic: $6 per dose • Branded: not offered
Bluechew	chewable sildenafil	• Generic: from $20 a month • Branded: not offered

Pros and cons of Viagra

People who use Viagra may notice that they find it easier to get and keep an erection. However, before using the drug, they should also discuss potential safety considerations with a healthcare professional.

The sections below look at some advantages and disadvantages of using Viagra in more detail.

Advantages

Several clinical studies have investigated the effects of Viagra on ED. Research suggests that people who take this drug may be more likely to get and maintain an erection than those who do not.

Although the percentage of individuals who find that Viagra helps them differs depending on their dose, all doses seem to be more effective than not taking the medication.

Additionally, in the clinical studies, while the number of times per week the participants had penetrative sex did not change while taking Viagra, the individuals did report more success in maintaining an erection.

Disadvantages

Viagra may not be suitable for everyone, including those who:

• have had an allergic reaction to Viagra or sildenafil
• take nitrates or nitroglycerins
• have a heart or liver condition
• have had a stroke or heart attack
• have low blood pressure
• have one of several rare inherited eye conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa

Viagra or sildenafil can also cause some side effectsTrusted Source, including:

• headaches
• skin flushing or a rash
• indigestion
• nasal congestion
• back pain and muscle pain
• nausea
• dizziness

Viagra is also unsuitable for females or children. Because the drug is a prescription medication, a doctor will discuss any potential side effects and other safety considerations with each individual before prescribing this drug.

When to contact a doctor

A person must contact a doctor to receive a prescription for Viagra or sildenafil. The doctor can recommend which strength is most suitable, and an individual can have follow-up consultations to ensure that the drug and dose are still suitable for their condition.

A doctor can also advise a person on whether or not Viagra or sildenafil may interact with other medications or any recreational drugs or dietary supplements they are currently using.

In some cases, Viagra or sildenafil can cause serious side effects. If a person experiences any of the following, they should seek immediate medical attention:

• chest pain
• painful erections or erections that last for longer than 4 hours
• vision loss
• fever
• swelling and peeling of the skin
• blisters in and around the mouth, genitals, and eyes
• anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction

Frequently asked questions about Viagra

Below are some of the most common questions and answers about Viagra.

Can I buy Viagra over the counter or online?

Viagra is not available over the counter in the U.S. It requires a prescription.

People can buy Viagra online with a prescription.

What are Viagra’s side effects?

Some side effects of Viagra include:

• headaches
• indigestion
• back pain
• nausea

Viagra can also interact with other medications. For this reason, people should speak with a healthcare professional before taking it.

How long does Viagra take to start working?

Viagra may start working within 30 minutes.

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra’s effects can last for around 4 hours.

How can I get Viagra easily?

The easiest way to get Viagra may be to use an online service such as Hims, Roman, or Lemonaid. People can schedule consultations and receive prescriptions quickly with these services.

Can you take two Viagra pills at once?

No. People should not double up on Viagra pills or take more than one tablet in 24 hours.

If Viagra is ineffective, a person should speak with a doctor and try a different ED medication.

Summary

Although Viagra is effective in treating ED, a person needs a prescription to purchase this medication. Various online pharmacies offer this drug, many of which offer online consultations with licensed doctors before purchase.

Before buying Viagra online, a person should research the company offering the medication to ensure it does not sell counterfeit drugs.

Individuals should also seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe side effects such as anaphylaxis when using Viagra.

Source - Medical News Today